Cotton press assembly



' June 26, 1962 J. C. NEITZEL COTTON PRESS ASSEMBLY Filed June 22, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet l doJepb C". New fze/ INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY June 26, 1962 J. c. NEITZEL 3,040,653

- COTTON PRESS ASSEMBLY Filed June 22, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTD/PA/EV J. C. NElTZEL June 26, 1962 COTTON PRESS ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 22, 1959 doJe ob C New fze/ JNVENTOR.

ATTORNEY June 26, 1962 J. c. NEITZEL 3,040,653

COTTON PRESS ASSEMBLY Filed June 22, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR. 7 BY QQW flw ATTORNEY United states, Patent My present invention relates to apparatus for the purpose of receiving fibers from cotton ginning and condensing equipment and pressing them into a bale.

In the art of processing field picked cotton, it is the practice to strip fibers from the cotton seeds and form them into a continuous lint bat on the .rotating drum of a condenser. In conventional installations, the bat moves down a slide at the exit of the condenser and is received within the press assembly, a unit which is adapted to compress the lint fibers into a bale. A lint pusher is positioned at the end of the lint slide to periodically move forward and drive the accumulated lint before it into the path of a vertically reciprocating member or foot which constitutes the working element of a so -called tramper. The tramper is located above the cotton collecting box of a press, and the box thus is filled from bottom to top by the series of lint masses which are forced thereinto by the tramper. The horizontally reciprocating movement of the lint pusher is coordinated with the 'ertical movement of the tramper foot so that they do not interfere. My invention is in the tramper and press, the two units together constituting what I have chosen to call the press assembly.

A conventional press has compressing means such as one or more rams at its base, a sill spaced thereabove, and a pair of press boxes in side by side relationship which are rotatable about a vertical axis therebetween. The tramper is positioned adjacent to and above the press. One press box is in position between the rams and the sill, and the companion box is below the tramper foot. Some measure of compression or consolidationof the fibers takes place below the tramper as the box is filled, after which the loosely packed box is moved into position above the rams where final compression of its contents into a bale is accomplished by extension of the rams in an upward direction. Each press box has doors at its upper portion to permit the bale to be tied and removed from the unit.

Improvements in the equipment for ginning and condensing the fibers have led to increased speed of operation, so that the final steps in the processing of the lint, tramping, pressing and tying, have become the bottle neck in the operation. This has led to the developmentof my invention, one of the objects of which is to pro-.

vide apparatus for increasing the speed of tramping, pressing and baling cotton to permit processing of the lint as rapidly as it becomes available from the condenser.

It is a further object of my invention to provide apparatus for automatically controlling and coordinating the operations of the tramper and the press to eliminate.

the delays in the sequence of operations which result from conventional manual controls.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a cotton press in which the press boxes are rotated through one-half revolution about the vertical axis therebetween by means of an automatically controlled turning mechanism forming a part thereof which acts immediately upon arrival of the various elements in proper position.

More specifically, it is an object of my invention to provide apparatus which automatically will sense the time at which the press box under the tramper is filled with sulficient lint to make a bale and will thereafter, at the proper moment, rotate the filled press box into posi- 3,040,653 Patented June as, 1962 2 tion .for baling and the empty companion box into position for filling. v

It is a further object of my invention to provide apparatus automatically to restart the tramper and to ac tuate the compressing means to perform its function as soon as a filled press box is in position thereabove.

Itis a further object of my invention to provide signal means for announcing to the press crew the imminent completion of the filling of a press box and automatic rotation thereof into position for compressing.

, It is also an object of my-invention to coordinate the operation of the tramper and press by means of an automatic control system with built-in safety features to prevent overloading of the unit or initiation of any step until such time as the preceding steps are completed and the various elements of the assembly are in position to continue the processing in proper sequence.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a con-v trol system of the indicated type in which certain manually operated means are provided to arrest operations or permit certain deviations from the automatic cycling for special requirements with regard to size of bale, or in cases of emergency.

The foregoing and other objects of my invention which will become apparent'are accomplished by means of a novel press assembly which has automatic press box locking and unlocking means, an automatic turning mechanism adapted to rotate the press boxes at the proper time, and a control system comprising a current relay connected to the tramper motor, one or more pressure responsive switches in the hydraulic system which actuates the compressing means, various warning or signaling devices, and a number of limit switches associated with the press boxes and locking means, the automatic turning mechanism, and the press rams.

Briefly, the operating cycle of my press assembly begins with one press box below the tramper and the other press box above the rams. It is assumed that the tramper is operating and has almost filled the press box below it. The other press box is empty and the rams are in their lowermost position. When the press box under the tramper has filled with sufiicient lint to forma bale, as for example, 500 pounds, the increased resistance to movement of the tramper will create a corresponding increase in the current demand of the tramper motor and v operate the current relay connected thereto. At this time a warning horn sounds to notify the press crew that rotation of the press boxes is imminent. Shortly thereafter, as soon as the tramper foot has cleared the top of the press box, the press box locking means is disengaged and the turning mechanism is actuated to interchange the position of the press boxes by rotating them through one-half turn or of arc. As soon as this step is completed, the tramper resumes operation and at the same time the press rams are actuated to begin compression of the contents of the filled press box thereabove, both actions being initiated automatically. Either a limit switch or a pressure switch will stop thehydraulic rams when the lint has beencoinpressed a sufiicient amount to form a bale, the latter element serving to prevent overload of the hydraulic system.

To this point, operation of the assembly is entirely automatic. The press crew is needed only to open the press box doors, tie and remove the bale, prepare the empty press box with new bagging, close the doors and- The foregoing description will be more completely understood from the following detailed explanation uppermost position and the press rams in their lowermost position; I

FIG. 2 is a section along line 22 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevation at the base of the rams showing the location and operation of the limit switches which are operated by the movement thereof;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevation at the center ofthe press base showing the details of the turning mechamsm;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are partially cutaway and enlarged front and side elevations, respectively,- of" the press box locking means showing the location and operation of the limit switches associated therewith; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control system which directs automatic operation of the unit.

In FIG. 1, the press assembly comprises a pair of press boxes 1t and 11 on the rightand left-hand sides of the central shaft 12. The press box frame 13 carries the press boxes and is rotatable about the shaft 12 to interchange the position of the boxes.

The tramping operation or initial compression of the collected cotton fibers into the press box is performed at the right hand side of the press. The base 15, upright 16 and sill 17 define a rigid support, and as cottonis introduced into the space 18 below the sill 17, the

vertically reciprocating tramper foot 19 moves downward to drive it into the press box therebelow.

The tramper foot 19 is the moving element of a conventional tramper 20, and as such devices are well known in the art, its details are not pictured or described here other than generally. It is sufiicient to point out that the reciprocation of the tramper foot is produced through an appropriate linkage, by the tramper motor 21and drive pulley 21a. Its action is coordinated with the introduction of fiber into the space 18 so that the foot is in its uppermost position as shown in FIG. 1 when the cotton is moved into position at the top of the press box. Subsequently, the tramper foot moves downwardly to force the cotton into the box 10 where it is held by. the

' movable follow block 22 which forms the bottom thereof.

A brake 23 is controlled by solenoid 24 and bears against the drive pulley 21a to quickly arrest operation when the solenoid is de-energized. The brake is spring loaded toward its engaged position so that it is operative only when the solenoid circuit is open.

As the cotton is in a relatively uncompressed state when it reaches space 18, the mass which is forced into the box at each stroke of the tramper is relative small, and a number of repetitions of the above-described cycle are necessary to fill the box.

The final compression of the fiber into a bale is effected at the left-hand side of the press where the ram base 25,11pright 26 and the sill 27 define the rigid support necessary to react the compressive baling load. The upwardly traveling rams 28, one or two in number, are mounted on the ram base 25 and topped by the cap 29 which is adapted to contact the follow block 22 at the bottom of the press box and force it upwardly therethrough. Secured below the sill 27 is the top platen 30 against which the contents of the press box are compressed as a result ofthe movement of the follow block.

I It is apparent that the press boxes 10 and 11 are identical and that the operations at the rightand left-hand sides of the press assembly as above-described occur generally simultaneously in time and are performed alternately with respect to each box. The boxes are braced at the lower portion by members 31 which form a part of the press box frame 13, and have movable door sections indicated generally by reference numeral 32 at their upper portion.

The section of the press box 11' shown in FIG. 2 is typically illustrative of both boxes. In FIG. 2, the inner or centermost wall 33 has an opening 33a for accommodation of the central shaft 12. The two doors 34 and 35 are each connected to wall 33 by pins 36 which allow relative rotary movement therebetween. A door locking bar 37 is mounted by pin 38 to the free end of door '34 and includes recesses at its opposite end which receive the hydraulically actuated locking pistons 35a on the free end of door 35. Thus, when both doors are closed, the locking bar extends along the fourth side of the rectangle partially defined by wall 33 and doors 34 and 35 and the pistons 35a lock the doors in such position. The broken lines in FIG. 2 show the manner in which the doors open.

The operating pressure for locking the press doors is produced by door pump 40, as shown in FIG. 1. From the pump, a pressure line 40a and a relief line 40b extend to the door pump valve 39, there being one valve on each door. Line 39a interconnects the valve 39 and the locking cylinders 35a, three in number in .the disclosed arrangement, and the valve is manually closed. At all other times, the switch is open. Switch 41 has a counterpart 41a on the door of the companion box 10. The elfect of the position of switch 41 as well as that of the other switches described in the first section of this specification will be described in the section entitled Operation.

FIG. 3 illustrates the details of the rams and the'limit switches associated therewith. Limit switches 42'and 43 are mounted on bracket 44 on the ram base 25. The first or ram down switch is closed when the rams are in their lowermost position by pad 45 which is attached to and movable with the cap 29. The pad 45 is so disposed that any movement of the rams in an upward direction opens switch 42. p

Switch 43 is maintained in a closed position by op-' erating rod 46 which is attached to and movable with cap 29. Near the bottom of rod 46 is a recess 46a into which the contact arm of switch 43 may move when the ram is at its uppermost limit of travel, such position marking the thickness of the bale into which the contents of the press box can be compressed. Thus, switch 43 will open only when the ram has completed its upward extension.

In FIG. 4 is shown the press box turning motor 50 which is mounted on bracket 51 on base 15. It is conshaft 12 and is soarranged that when the press box frame has almost completed of rotation, it is contacted by one of the switch operating bars 58' which are carried by and on opposite sides of the driven sprocket 52, thus opening the switch. It'is apparent that the inertia of the rotating press box frame will carry it beyond the contact arm of switch 57, so the period during which the switch is open will be brief.

FIG. 4 also illustrates schematically the hydraulic system which supplies pressure to the rams 28. The cylinders of the rams are either pressurized or relieved through solenoid operated valve 59 and line 59a as dictated bV the control system to be described. Line 60 goes to the ram pump, FIG. 7, and line 61 is a relief line.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the details of the elements which lock the press box frame in position relative to the body of the press in order to assure proper alignment of the parts. A bell crank 62 is mounted on thebracket 63 which is attached to the upright 26. At one arm of the bell crank is locking pin 64 which extends inwardly of upright 26 to mate with a latching lug 65 and 65a on the press boxes as shown on FIG. 1. The other arm of the bell crank is attached to the working piston 66 of air cylinder 67 which is attached to upright 26 by means of bracket 68. The bell crank is rotatable about its pin 69, and thus movement of the piston 66 as the cylinder is pressurized at opposite ends thereof, moves the locking pin 64 into or out of engagement with the lug 65 and 65a. The solenoid operated valve 70 directs air pressure from a suitable source, not shown, to the opposite sides of the cylinder as directed by the control system, through pressure lines 70a.

Limit switch 72 on bracket 73 is positioned adjacent to the downwardly extending car 74 of bell crank 62. When the bell crank is rotated about pin 69 to unlock the locking pin 64 from lug 65 or 65a, switch 72 is contacted and closed by car 74 for purposes to be described hereinafter.

Limit switch 75 is mounted on bracket 76 extending inwardly from upright 26, in which position the contact arm of the switch cooperates with the switch operating member 77 or 77a on the press boxes to maintain the switch in a closed position when either of the press boxes is in proper position above the rams. At all times when the press boxes are out of position, limit switch 75 is open.

The above-described elements in conjunction with certain additional control means illustrated in FIG. 7 and described in the following portion of this specification, result in the accomplishment of the objectives of my invention as set forth herein.

Operation The operation of my press assembly, outlined briefly at the outset, is directed and controlled by the system illustrated in FIG. 7. The system is depicted with all control circuits extending between parallel mains 116 and 111 across which there is suflicient electrical potential to operate the various components as selected by one skilled in the art. At 112, 113 and 114 are shown power lines of suflicient capacity to carry the several motors connected thereto.

To start the machine, the Auto Start button 115 is operated to close the circuit AB through box position indicator limit switch 75 which is closed when the boxes are in position above the rams and below the tramper, the normally closed contact 11612 of a relay 116, the normally closed, manual press Auto Stop switch 117, the normally closed, manual Tramper Stop switch 118, and the coil of tramper-motor starting relay 119. The resultant closing of relay contact 119a initiates operation of tramper motor 21. Manual control 118 enables the operator to stop the tramper, as he desires, should the need arise while the unit is in operation.

Coincidentally with energization of tramper starting relay 119, the tramper brake release solenoid 24 is energized, releasing the tramper brake. Also, four additional sets of contacts of relay 119 change position at this time. Contact 11912 closes and contact 1190 is directed toward a closed position, but as the result of an inherent time delay in closing, it remains open for a brief interval. Also, normally closed contact 119d is opened and normally open contact 11% is closed. The last named contact locks circuit AB in an energized condition independent of start button 115, so it is necessary only to briefly close the button to initiate operation. The purpose of the other contacts will be described in proper sequence.

Relay contact 11917 closes the circuit C through a second set of contacts of the press Auto Stop switch 117 t 6, andthe coil of a relay 120, which senses starting of the tramper motor and closes its contact 129a ina sub-circuit parallel to contact 1191;. Thus relay 120 is locked in the energized condition independently of relay 119. Relay 120 has second and third normally open contacts 12% and 120a which will be considered later.

The above-described changes take place in the system immediately upon the closing of Auto Start button 115. The tramper motor 21 begins operation as a result of the energization of relay 119, whereupon the heavy starting current energizes the current relay 121 in the circuit D, which is associated with one lead to ammeter 122.

Although current relay contact 121a in circuit A closes due to heavy starting current while the tramper motor is coming up to speed, relay contact 1191; in this circuit'is delayed in closing, as pointed out above, so that energization of relay 116 is delayed. When the high starting current to the tramper motor subsides, relay contact 121a reopens. Shortly thereafter, relay contact 1190 finally closes. The system will remain in the above-described condition while the press box below the tramper is filled with cotton fiber. As this operation progresses, the tramper is called on to exert an increasing amount of force in a downward direction which causes an increase in the current demand of tramper motor 21. When the cotton in the box reaches a point of compression which has been predetermined as approximating an amount sufficient to constitute a bale, the current demand of the motor will reach the level which again actuates current relay 121 to close its contact 1210, which will complete the circuit A to energize relay 116 and also energize the horn, buzzer, light or other indicator in parallel therewith to provide visual or audible evidence of the imminent conclusion of the press box filling operation.

When relay 116 is energized, its contact 116a closes to provide a holding circuit for its coil which is independent of current relay contact 121a, for the latter contact will reopen assoon as the tramper foot starts its upward movement and the current demand of motor 21 is reduced. Energization of relay 116 also directs relay contact 1161; toward an open position, but aninherent time delay inits operation prevents its opening fora brief interval, the purpose of which is to retain tramper motor relay circuit AB closed long enough to allow the tramper foot to clear the press box. Were contact 11612 to open immediately, the tramper starter relay 119 and the tramper brake release coil 24 would be de-energized to bring the tramper to an immediate halt, in which position its foot would interfere with subsequent rotation of the press boxes. The delay in the opening of contact 1165 is adjustable to provide the exact time needed to allow the tramper foot to reach a clear position before the tramper starting circuit opens.

As soon as tramper control relay 119' is de-energized, its contact 11% in Circuit A opens, thus tie-energizing relay 116 to open contact 11651 and close contact 116b. At the same time warning device 125 is de-energized.

In series connection with relay 116 is a manual two position selector switch 122 which may be moved to an open position to prevent energization of relay 116, thereby allowing filling of the press box to continue after the normal actuation point of current relay 121 if an oversize or larger than normal bale is desired. However, for automatic operation and uniform bales, the switch 122 will be closed, as shown.

When the tramper foot automatically stops at the top of its stroke, the press enters the second phase of its opertions. Normally closed contact 119d in circuit FG closes when the tramper motor relay 119 is de-energized, and the solenoid 104 of air valve 70 is energized to direct air pressure to the properside of the lock actuating cylinder 67 to move its piston 66 and bell crank 62 in the direction to disengage the locking pin 64 from its latching lug 65 or 65a.

motor 21 by way of I with limit switches 41 and 41a on the press box doors, and

the normally closed contact 1270 of the ram ready relay '127. The purpose of the two last named relays will become apparent as the system is further explained.

When bell crank 62 of the press lock mechanism is rotated into its unlatched position, lock limit switch 72 is closed, energizing the turning motor starting relay 128. Relay contacts 123a then close, turning motor 50 is energized, and thepress' boxes start to turn. Relay 128 has a contact 1281) parallel to relay contact 12012 in the box lock control circuit PG so that the press boxes will complete their 180 rotation even though theoperation of the unit is suspended while the turn is in progress, as by opening manual Auto Stop switch 117.

The switch 72 insures that the press boxes will not start toturn until the latch is disengaged. This is a feature which insures smoothperformance, but is not essential to proper operation as the unlatching and turning could be initiated at the same instant.

It is significant that while the press box frame is turning, box position indicator limit switch 75 remains open. Thus, neither thetramper, as has been explained, nor the press rams, as will be'explained, can operate while the boxes are in other than the proper alignment.

When the press boxes have almost completed 180 rotation, press box position indicating switch 57 is opened by operating bar 58 on the driven sprocket 52. The box lock control circuit FG opens to return the box lock control solenoid 104 to its first position, reversing lock control valve 70, whereupon locking pin 64 advances to its locking position. Also, the turning motor starting relay 128 is deenergized. Note that lock indicator switch 72in series connection with relay 128 is opened as the bell crank 62 moves to its locking position.

As pointed out earlier, the inertia of the press box frame carries it immediately beyond the contact arm of switch 57 and the period during which the'switch is open is brief. However, switch 57 has a second contact 57a which normally is open, and this contact closes at the same moment that coupled contact STopens, thereby energizing the coil ofthe ram ready relay 127 and the plugging device 129, the latter serving to reverse the connections to motor 56 by closing contacts 129a, which applies a braking action thereto. The plugging switch 54 is in series connection with the plugging device 129 and operates in a customary manner for such switch, being closed when the turning motor is in operation, and open ing when the motor nears a standstill.

The third normally open contact'120c of relay 120, which senses the condition of the tramper motor, is in series with ram ready relay 127 to prevent energization thereof when relay 120 is de-energized. This feature will arrest the operation of this portion of the system when the manual stop button 117 is opened, for as noted above, relay 120 is closed at all times after the initial starting of the cycle of operation except when stop button 117 is pushedx Although contact 5701 of the press box position indicating switch will reopen after a brief interval, relay 127 and the plugging device 129 will remain energized by either or both of two alternate circuits in parallel with contact 57a. The first of these includes normally open contact 127d of relay 127 and the second includes normally open contact 12% associated with the plugging device 129. Simultaneously, the normally closed contact 1270 of relay 127' willbe' held open to prevent reenergization of the solenoid 104 of air valve 70 and the turning motor starting relay 128 when switch 57 recloses.

The action of the plugging device is so arranged that the press box frame comes to rest at the proper position relative to the tramper and rams for engagement of loci ing pin 64 in latching lug 65 or GSa and the closing of box position limit switch 75 by its operating member 77 or 77a. The closing of switch 75 serves to initiate the next step in the cycle, the reenergization of the tramper starter circuits. and the energization of the ram control circuits, such action being the result of the earlier energization of relay .127 which closed the normally open contact 127i in the tramper" starter circuit and contact 12712 in circuit H through the normally closed ram high limit switch 43, ram pressure relief switch 131, the operation of which will be described subsequently, the manually operated, normally closed Ram Stop button 132 and ram. pump starting relay 133. The closing of the normally open contacts 133a of relay 133 energizes the ram pump motor 134 and provides the pressure necessary to drive the rams upwardly for compression of the fibers in the press box thereabove. Energization of the ram pump starting relay 133 also closes normally open holding contact 13% thereof to lock in the relay independently of the contact 12% through which it was initially energized. 1

The normally open relay contact 127a in the circuit I is in series with box position limit switch 75, the manually operated, normally closed Ram Drop button 137, the function of which will become apparent, and the coil of a relay 136.

Relay 136 has a normally open contact 136a in circuit 1 in series with the manually operated, normally closed Ram Lower button 138 and the control solenoid 139 of the valve 59 which controlsthe application of pressure from pump 134 to the rams 23. The. valve is so arranged that when the solenoid 139 isde-energized, the rams are relieved of pressure through line 61, and when it is energized, the pressure fluid developed by the ram pump is directed to the rams through line 60 and 59a to produce extensive or upward movement. Thus, upon energization of relay 136 and the closing of its contact 136a, the pressure fluid is directed to the rams to begin compression of the cotton fiber. Ram down limit switch 42 opens immediately when the ram cap starts to lift to prevent inadvertent operation of the portion of the control system which is concerned with the turning of the press boxes.

When limit switch 42 opens, ram ready relay 127 is de-energizedand its contacts 12712 in circuit H, 127:: in circuit I and 127] in circuit B open. However, the ram pump starting relay 133, relay 136, pump valve solenoid 139, and tramper motor relay 119 remain energized through other circuits, as shown in FIG. 7.

If the press box above the ram contains an approximately average amount of cotton, the ram will continue to rise until the arm of ram up limit switch 43 falls into the recess 46a of operating rod 46, such event marking upward extension of the rams suflicient to reduce the cotton to normal bale size. At this time, the opening of switch 43 will open the ram pump starter circuit H, and the ram pump will stop.

Should the cotton in the press box be of such density that the pressure necessary to drive the rams exceeds the limit of safety prior to the time at which sufficient movement has occurred to bring recess 46a into alignment with the arm of switch 43, the pressure relief switch 131, also in circuit H, will open to accomplish the same purpose as the opening of limit switch 43. It is apparent that pressure switch 131 will be connected to the hydraulic system of the ram in order to detect and respond to excessive pressure therein. 7

There is a second overload pressure responsive switch 143 in the ram hydraulic system, which switch is in a circuitK in series with third contact 133s of ram pump starting relay 133, and a warning light 144. The actuating pressure of switch 143 is considerably less than that of pressure switch 131 so that the former will close early in the compression stroke of the rams and energize the warning light to indicate that a bale is under compression. Lowering of the pressure in the ram system such as occurs when the rams are lowered to remove the bale will reopen switch 143 and put out indicator light 144.

When the rams have been arrested by upper limit switch 43 or pressure switch 131, the bale is ready to be tied. The press door locking pistons 35a are hydraulically actuated, and the pressure in the system is controlled by valve 15$. The valve is moved to the position which relieves the door locking pressure, and the doors unlock. The valve 39 then is moved to its alternate position to connect the locking cylinders to the door pump 4%) in preparation for subsequent energization thereof When the doors have been opened, the press crew makes the ties.

Ram Lower button 138 is pushed by a workman to deenergize valve solenoid 139 and relieve the ram pressure through valve 59 and line 61 to allow the rams .to drop as long as button 138 is depressed. When there is sufiicient clearance between the press follow block 2 and top platen 3% to allow the bale to be removed, Ram Lower button 138 is released, whereupon the solenoid 7.39 is reenergized to arrest downward movement of the rams;

After removal of the bale, the rams are returned to their uppermost positions by pushing the normally open, manually operated Ram Raise button 146, which closes the circuits to the pump starting relay 133. Upward movement of the rams will continue until arrested by ram up limit switch 43 in the manner described above.

As soon as the follow block 22 and the top platen 39 are dressed with new bagging in preparation for the next cycle, the Ram Drop button 137 is pushed to deenergize relay 136 and solenoid 139, as a result of which the rams will drop to their lowermost positions. The

action of the Ram Drop button is to be contrasted with the operation of Ram Lower button 13%, for the former need only be pushed and then released to drop the rams completely whereas the latter lowers the rams only so long as it is held in an open position.

At this time, following removal of the bale and placement of new bagging, the press doors 34 and 35 are closed, and door locking frame 37 is moved intov proper position to receive the locking pistons 35a. The manual valve 39 is in position to pressurize the locking cylinders when the pump 40 is operating. The door position sensing limit switch 41 or 41a will have closed, and as its counterpart on the opposite door already will be closed, the coil of relay 126 will be energized. The first relay contact 125a in circuit G was discussed earlier herein. The second relay contact 1261) is in series with the door pump 40 and normallyis closed. However, an inherent time delay in the opening of contact 126i: after energization of the relay coil provides a period of energization of the pump 4i? which is suficient to move the door locking pistons 35a into their recesses. Thereafter, the pump is de-energized by the opening of contact 12611 and the press is ready for a repetition of the above-described cycle of operation as soon as the press box under the tramper has been filled.

Visual or audible signals are provided to apprise the press operator of various conditions as they occur in the working cycle. As described above, the horn 12-5 signals the impending conclusion of the tramping operation and the light 144 indicates the presence of a bale under compression above the rams. An additional warning light 147 is in series with ram down limitswitch 42 in circuit G and burns only when the switch is closed to indicate that the rams are in their lowermost positions. At all other times the switch is open and the light is out.

A Power On light 148 is provided in circuit L to indicate to the operator that the control system is energized.

10 This light will burn at all times that the press is ready for or in operation. I

An emergency stop button 149 is provided to deenergize and stop the entire system. This control is supplementary to the several other manual controls,'as have been described, and normally would be necessary only'in case of a major'failure in the assembly. Under usual conditions, the press will be cycled at hithereto unknown speed without any manual direction other than the movement of the door locking and ram control buttons, as described. I

The press assembly and control system therefor which l have disclosed herein is the presently preferred arrangement, but it is apparent that one skilled in the art might suggest many changes which'would wall within the scope of my invention. Thus, it is desired to protect by Letters Patent all such changes and modifications as fallwithin the scope of the following claims. I claim:

1. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for 10- tation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated press box turning means connected to said press boxes and adapted when actuated to rotate said boxes through one-half turn about said vertical axis, and a tramper having an electrically actuted tramper foot adapted for vertically reciprocating movement into and out of one of said press boxes; load responsive means connected to said tramper and said press box turning means to detect a predetermined am ount of resistance to downward movement of said tramper foot and initiate a time delay sutficient to allow said tramper foot to move to a position clear of the path of rotation of said press boxes, and operative at the conclusion thereof to stop said tramper and actuate. said press box turning means.

2. The combination of claim 1 and position responsive means operated by said press boxesto restart said tramper upon completion of said one-half turn.

3. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated press box turning means connected to said press boxes and adapted when energized to rotate said boxes through one-half turn about said vertical axis, and a tramper comprising an electrically actuated tramper motor and a tramper foot driven by said motor for vertically reciprocating movement into and out of one of said press boxes; a normally closed electrical contact in series connection with said tramper motor, a normally open electrical contact in series connection with said turning means, and an electrical current relay connected to said tramper motor and associated with said normally closed and said normally open contacts to initiate a timed interval upon the arrival of the current through said tramper motor at a predetermined level, and operative at the conclusion thereof to open said normally closed contact to stop said tramper and close said normally open contact to energize said turning means.

4. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated press box turning means connected to said press boxes and adapted when energized to rotate said boxes through one-half turn about said vertical axis, and a tramper comprising an electrically actuated tramper motor and a tramper foot driven by said motor for vertically reciprocating movement into and outof one of said press boxes; a normally closed electrical contact adapted when opened to stop said tramper motor, said contact being delayed in opening for a determinable period following actuation thereof, an electrical current relay connected to said tramper motor and operative to actuate said normally closed contact and initiate said delay upon the arrival of the current through said tramper motor at a predetermined level, and a normally open electrical contact in detect a predetermined accuses tation about a vertical axis therebetween, press box turning means connected to said press boxes and adapted when energized to rotate said boxes through one-half turn about said axis, press box latching means maintaining said boxes in a fixed position and adapted when actuated to release said boxes for said one-half turn, and a tramper having a tramper foot adapted for vertically reciprocating movement into and out of one of said press boxes; load responsive means connected-tojsaid tramper, said press boxturning means and said press box latching means to amount of resistance to downward movement of said tramper foot and initiate a time delay sufficient to allow said tramper foot to move to a position clear of the path of travel of said press boxes, and operativeat the conclusion thereof to stop said tramper, actuate said latching means and energize said press box turning means.

7. in combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted forrotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated press box turning means connected to said press boxes and adapted when energized to rotate said boxes through one-half turn about said axis, electrically-actuated press box latching means maintaining said boxes in a fixed position and adapted when energized to release said boxes for said one-halt turn, and atramper comprising an electrically actuated tramper motor and a tramper foot driven by said motor for vertically reciprocating movement into and out of one of said press boxes; a normally closed electrical contact in series connection with said tramper motor, a normally open electrical contact in series connection with said latching means and said turning means, and an electrical currentrelay connected to said tramper motor and associated with said normally closed and normally open contacts to initiate a predetermined time delay sufficient to allow said tramper foot to move to a position clear of the path of travel of said press boxes upon the arrival of the current through said tramper motor at a predetermined level, and at the conclusion thereof to open said normally closed contact to stop said tramper and close said normally open contact to energize said latching means and said turning means.

8. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, compressing means positioned below one of said press boxes and adapted when actuated to move upwardly therein to effect compression of the contents thereof, a tramper positioned above the other of said press boxes and having a ,tramper foot adapted for vertically reciprocating move ment therein, and press box turning means adapted when energized to interchange rotation thereof through one-half turn about said vertical axis; load responsive means connected to said tramper and said press box turning means to detect a predetermined amount of resistance to downward movement of said tram-per foot and initiate a predetermined time delay suificient to allow said tramper foot to move to a position clear of the path of rotation of said press boxes, and operative at the conclusion thereof to stop said tramper and energize said press box turning means, and position responsive means operated by said press boxes to restart said tramper and actuate said com-pressing means upon completion of said one half turn.

9. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes inside-by-side relationship adapted for tothe position of said boxes by' tation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated compressing means positioned below one of said press boxes and adapted when actuated to move upwardly therein to effect compression of the contents thereof, a tramper positioned above the other of said press boxes comprising an electrically actuated tramper motor and a tram-per foot driven by said motor for vertically reciprocating movement within said other box, and electrically actuated press box turning means adapted when actuated to interchange the position of said boxes by rotation thereof through one-half. turn about said vertical axis; a normally closed electrical contact adapted when opened to i stop said tramper motor, said contact being delayed in opening for an adjustable period following actuation thereof, an electrical current relay connected to said tramper motor and operative to actuate said normally a closed contact upon arrival of the current through said tramper motor at a predetermined level, a normally open electrical contact in series connection with said turning means and operated by the stopping of said tram-per to close and energize said turning means, and a position responsive switch operated by said press boxes and connected to said tramper and said compressing means to restart the former and actuate the latter upon completion of said one-half turn.

10. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, compressing means positioned below one of said press boxes and adapted when actuated to move upwardly therein to effect compression of the contents thereof, a tramper positionedabove the other of said press boxes and having a tramper foot adapted for vertically reciprocating movement therein, and press box turning means adapted when actuated to interchange the position of said boxes by ro tation thereof through one-half turn about said vertical axis; load responsive means connected to said tramper and said turning means to detect a predetermined amount of resistance to downward movement of said tramper foot and initiate a predetermined time delay suiiicient to allow said tramper foot to move to a position clear of the path of rotation of said press boxes, and operative at the conclusion thereof to stop said tramper and actuate said turning means, a first position responsive means operated by said press boxes to restart said tramper and actuate said compressing means upon completion of said one-half turn, and a second position responsive means operated by said compressing means to arrest operation thereof upon completion of a predetermined amount of upward movement.

11.- In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated compressing means positioned below one of said press boxes and adapted when actuated to move upwardly therein to effect compression of the contents thereof, a tramper positioned above the other of said press boxes comprising an electrically actuated tramper motor and a tramper foot driven by said motor for vertically reciprocating movement within said other press box, and electrically actuated press box turning means adapted when actuated to interchange the position of said boxes by rotation thereof through one-half turn about said vertical axis; a normally closed electrical contact adapted when opened to stop said tramper motor, said contact being delayed in opening for an adjustable period following actuation thereof, an electrical current relay connected to said tramper motor and operative to actuate said normally closed contact upon the arrival of the current through said tramper motor at a predetermined level, a normally open electrical contact in'series connection with said turning means and operated by the stopping or said tramper to close and energize said turning means, a first position responsive switch operated by'said press boxes and connected to said tramper and said compressing means to restart the former andv actuate the latter upon completionof said one-half turn, and a second position responsive switch operated by said compressing means to arrest operation thereof upon completion of a predetermined amount of upward movement.

12. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated compressing means positioned below one of said boxes and adapted when energized to move upwardly therein to eifect compression of the contents thereof, a tramper positioned above the other of said press boxes comprising an electrically actuated tramper motor and a tramper foot driven by said motor for vertically reciprocating movement within the said other press box, and electrically actuated press box turning means adapted when actuated to rotate said press boxes through one-half turn about said vertical axis; means for automatically operating said press assembly comprising a manually closable switch in series connection with said tramper motor to initiate operation thereof, a normally closed contact in series connection with said tramper motor to arrest operation thereof upon opening, said contact being delayed in opening for a timed interval following actuation, a current relay connected to said tramper motor and associated with said normally closed contact to respond to the arrival of current through said tramper motor at a predetermined high level to actuate said normally closed contact, a first normally open contact in series connection with said turning means and operated by the stopping of said tramper to close and actuate said turning means, a second normally open contact in parallel with said manually closable switch and a third normally open contact in series with said compressing means, a first position responsive switch operated by said press boxes to deactuate said turning means and close said second and third normally open contacts upon completion of a substantial portion of said one-half turn, a second position responsive switch closed by the completion of said one-half turn, said switch being in series connection with said tramper motor and said compressing means to prevent energization thereof until said other press box is above said compressing means, and a third position responsive switch in series connection with said compressing means, said switch being opened by said compressing means upon arrival thereof at a predetermined limit of upward movement.

13. In combination with a press having a pair of press boxes in side-byside relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween; electrically actuated press box turning means for rotating said boxes through one-half turn about said vertical axis comprising a turning motor connected to said press boxes, an electrically actuated braking device operative when energized to retard rotation of said press boxes, a position responsive switch operated by said press boxes, said switch having a normally closed contact in series with said turning motor and a normally open contact in series with said braking device, said switch being operative to open said normally closed contact and close said normally open contact upon completion of a substantial portion of said one-half turn, and an inertia switch in series with said braking device, said inertia switch being closed by said rotation of said press boxes and opened by substantial cessation thereof.

14. The combination of claim 13 and an electrical relay in parallel connection with said braking means, said relay having a normally closed contact in series with said turning motor to prevent energization thereof when said braking device is energized.

15. In combination with a press having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, press box turning means for rotating said press boxes through one-half turn about said axis comprising an electrical motor having reversible field contacts, a motor starting device connected to said motor operative when energized to actuate said motor, a reversing device connected to said motor oper- 14 ative when energized to reverse said field contacts to retard rotation of said motor, a normally open contact in series connection with and operative when closed to energize said starting device, a position responsive switch operated by said press boxes and associated with said starting device and said reversing device to deenergize the former and energize the latter upon completion of a substantial portion of said one-half turn, and an inertia device operated by said motor and in series connection with said reversing device, said inertia device being closed while said motor is turning and opened as said motor nears a stop.

16. In combination with a press having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween to interchange their respective positions, an electrical motor having reversible field contactsto rotate said press boxes, and press box latching means engageable with said press boxes to prevent said rotation; press box unlatching and turning means comprising a solenoid associated with said latching means and operative when energized to disengage said latching means from said boxes, a motor starting device in parallel connection with said solenoid, said starting device being operative when energized to actuate said turning motor, a reversing device connected 'to said motor operative when energized to reversesaid field contacts to-retard rotation of said motor, a normally open contact in series connection with said solenoid and said starting device to unlatch said boxes and initiate said rotation when closed, a position responsive switch operated by said press boxes and associated'with said starting device and said reversing device to de-energize the former and energize the latter upon completion of a substantial portion of one-half turn, and an inertia device operated by said motor and in series connection with said reversing device, said inertia device being closed while said motor is turning and opened as said motor nears a stop.

17. In combination with a press having hydraulic coinpressing means adapted to move to an upper position to exert a compressive force responsive to pressure fluid therein, and valve means connected to said compressing means operative when actuated to relieve said compressing means of pressure fluid; means for partially lowering or completely dropping said compressing means from said upper position comprising a first manually openable switch and an electrical relay in series connection, a sec- 0nd manually openable switch and a solenoid in series connection with each other and in parallel connection with said first switch and said relay, said solenoid being oper ative when de-energized to actuate said valve means, and a normally closed contact opened by de-energization of said relay, said contact being in series connection with each of said switches whereby said valve means is actuated by momentarily opening said first switch or by maintaining said second switch in an open position.

18. In combination with a press having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for periodic rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated comprising means on said press adapted when actuated to compress the contents of the press box in operating position relative thereto, and press box turning means adapted when actuated to rotate said press boxes through one-half turn about said vertical axis to place one of said press boxes in said operating position at the conclusion of each one-half turn; position responsive means to automatically actuate said compressing means upon each arrival of a press box in said operating posi' tion, said position responsive means comprising an electrical switch on said press connected to said compressing means and operated by said press boxes.

19. In combination with a press having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for periodic rotation about a vertical axis therebetween, electrically actuated compressing means on said press adapted when actuated to compress the contents of the press box in each arrival of a press box in said operating position, said means comprising an'electrical switch on said press connected to said compressing means and operated by 11 arrival of a press box in operating position to actuate said compressing means, and position responsive means on said press connected to said compressing means and operated by said compressing means to arrest operation thereof upon completion of a predetermined amount of movement.

20. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical axis therebetween and a tramper having a tramper foot adapted for vertically reciprocating movement into and out of the "press box positioned therebelow; load responsive means connected to said tramper to arrest operation thereof with the foot removed from the press box, said load responsive means beingactuated by a predetermined amount of resistance to downward movement of said tramperfoot, and position responsive means situated within. the path of rotation ofsaid press boxes and connected to said tramper to automatically restart said tramper upon completion of each one-half turn about said vertical axis.

21. In combination with a press assembly having a pair of press boxes in side-by-side relationship adapted for rotation about a vertical aXis therebetween, and a tramper having a trarnper motor and a tramper foot driven by said motorfor vertically reciprocating movement into andout of the press box positioned therebelow; electrical load responsive means connected to said tramper motor to respond to the arrivalof the current therethrough at a predetermined upper level and arrest operation thereof with said tramper foot removed from the press box therebelow, and electrical switch means on the press operated by said rotating press boxes and connected to said tramper motor to restart said tramper upon completion of each one-half turn of said rotating press boxes about said vertical axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,826,936 Jacobson et al. Oct. 13, 1931 2,061,658 Hubbert Nov. 24, 1936 2,111,638 Nevitt Mar. 22, 1938 2,172,002 Stanley Sept. 5, 1939 2,211,198 Christoph Aug. 13, 1940 2,241,063 Grimes et al. May 6, 1941 2,734,450 Bell et a1. Feb. 14, 1956 2,764,932 Pease Oct. 2, 1956 2,785,535 Alcorn Mar. 19,1957 2,882,816 Van Doorn et a1 Apr. 21, 1959 2,963,959 Van Doorn et a1 Dec. 13, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain July 18, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,040,653 June 26, 1962 Joseph C. Neitzel It is hereby certifiedthat error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below-'- Column 3, lines .29 and 30, for "cottonis" read cotton is column 9, line 24, for "2" read 22 column 10, line 15 for "wall" read fall lines 22 and 23, and line 26, strike out "electrically actuated", each occurrence; column 14, line 59, for "comprising" read compressing Signed and sealed this 16th day of October 1962.

(SEAL) Attesu ERNEST w. SWIDER DAVID L. LADD Attesting ()fficer Commissioner of Patents 

